Gainesville State College is hoping its students will take advantage of all the volunteer opportunities the area has to offer.

Next week, the college’s school of social sciences will host a volunteer fair encouraging students “to “serve, learn and volunteer” in Gainesville-Hall County.

“This volunteer fair is the only one of its kind in North Georgia which gives community agencies access to a sizable pool of volunteers,” said George Danns, sociology professor and event coordinator.

On Sept. 18 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., in the Martha T. Nesbitt Academic Building, students will be exposed to what opportunities they have for volunteering, service learning and internships.

Representatives from more than 50 organizations, including the Georgia Mountain Food Bank, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, American Red Cross and the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia will be present.

“Our students unanimously report being enlightened and inspired by their involvement in this event,” said Danns.

For more information, contact Danns at gdanns@gsc.edu or at 678-717-3461.

Internal auditor to provide new ‘consultative services’ for NGCSU

North Georgia College & State University has filled a new position, aimed at assuring “appropriate controls and best practices” on the Dahlonega campus.

Jill Holman, a 1992 graduate of North Georgia, will assume the newly formed position of director of internal audit.

Her goal will be to provide “independent review of controls and governance process to improve the institution’s operations.”

“Internal auditors are very helpful to an organization’s success because of the systematic approach they bring to operational issues like risk assessment and regulatory compliance,” said Bonita C. Jacobs, president of North Georgia. “The University System of Georgia highly recommends that schools of our size have internal auditors, and Jill’s efforts will enhance our work, particularly as we grow through consolidation with Gainesville State College in January.”

North Georgia and Gainesville State were among just a few of the state’s institutions without an internal auditor.

As internal auditor, Holman will provide objective appraisals of departments and their operations and processes to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, the university’s adopted policies and standards, and sound business ethics, the school said.

“My role with North Georgia will be to examine departments and ensure proper procedures and policies are being followed, and to determine possible areas of improvement,” Holman said. “Each year, I will perform an assessment to create an audit plan based on risk levels, which will aid the university in preventing problems.”

Holman has worked with BB&T for the last 23 years, where she focused on internal audit and operations in accounting, human resources and payroll.

Lee Johnson covers education issues for The Times. Share your thoughts, news tips and questions with him:  ljohnson@gainesvilletimes.com, facebook.com/TimesLeeJohnson,@LeeJTimes